Latest news with #Seal
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I replaced my Tesla Model 3 with a BYD Seal. I want nothing to do with Elon Musk anymore.
Kevin Bond bought a Tesla Model 3 with money from his pension after he retired. 5 years later, he replaced it with a BYD Seal after becoming uncomfortable with Elon Musk's actions. Bond said the Seal is quicker and better built than the Model 3, with a nicer interior. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kevin Bond, a retired director of mental health services from Devon, UK, about swapping his Tesla Model 3 for a BYD Seal. It has been edited for length and clarity. I've lived in Devon for three years. I'm retired now, but I was a director of mental health services and the chief executive of a not-for-profit health and social care company. I bought the Tesla Model 3 in 2020 when I retired, with the lump sum you get with your occupational pension, for my wife. We sold it around three months ago. It just felt really uncomfortable that a single penny of our money would go anywhere near Elon Musk. I've always been a bit uncomfortable with Musk, but as time went on, my wife and I became increasingly uneasy. I think that there's a point where it's beyond just unpleasant, and you believe this guy is actively creating hate and division between people. When the [Southport] riots happened, it felt like he was fanning the flames. I'm not at all comfortable with that, and I don't want to be associated with it. I think he stepped over a line. His support for far-right parties in Germany and his spreading of misinformation is just disgraceful. Model 3 woes If I'm honest, I never really liked the Model 3 that much. There was no denying that when you first got in, it was exciting. You put your foot down, and it goes very fast. But for me, it was not very comfortable. The seats weren't well made, and the interior was cheap and nasty. Many of the important settings were adjusted via the display screen, so your eyes were off the road when they should have been on the road. The doors weren't fitted that well, so you got quite a bit of cabin noise, and after a couple of years, the suspension started squeaking heavily. It just felt cheap. Personally, I didn't think it was very well put together. Initially, the service was OK, but after a few years, the response was awful. It's probably the worst service I've ever had from any car dealer. When we sold the Tesla, it had the worst depreciation of any car I've ever owned. We sold it for just over £10,000 [$13,500] after buying it for nearly £50,000. [Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.] Buying a BYD When we started looking for a new car, I thought that we would have to compromise. What we found was that there are quite a lot of cars that have caught up and overtaken Tesla, both in terms of quality, but also on range and price. We got the BYD Seal around the same time we sold the Tesla. We bought an ex-demonstrator vehicle that was a year old. It's quicker than the Tesla — it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds — and it has a longer range. You can also charge it to 100% without damaging the battery. It's just a beautifully built car, and very comfortable. If you shut the doors, they go thunk, as they should, and there's no wind noise in the cabin. It's got ambient lighting, vented seats, and head-up displays, all the things that you might expect in a car that you pay a lot of money for. It's hard to find things to fault with it. The media system is a bit clunky and glitchy, and it's a tiny bit slower to charge. However, we do most of our charging at home, and with the Seal having more range, the slower charge time isn't really an issue. It drives beautifully on the road. You would put it through a corner in a way that I wouldn't drive in the Tesla. It feels safe and it feels solid. If I could give scores, I'd give the BYD nine out of ten and probably one out of ten for the Tesla. Have you swapped your Tesla for a BYD or bought a Chinese EV? Contact this reporter at tcarter@ Read the original article on Business Insider
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
I went truffle hunting near Sydney – here's what surprised me
I'm officially in my foraging era. The other month, I went deep into a pine forest in the Blue Mountains in search of a type of mushroom called saffron milk caps (no beef Wellingtons were made with them). And a few weeks ago, I visited Robertson – a quaint country town and home of the 'Big Potato' – in the beautiful Southern Highlands, around a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney. Thanks to its red volcanic basalt soil, high rainfall and frosts, it's also the perfect region for growing truffles. We spent the day at Robertson Truffles, a family-owned and -operated truffle farm established more than 15 years ago, making it one of the first operating and producing truffle farms in Australia. Owners Tanya and Patrick Moroney produce Black Perigord truffles, grown underground near the roots of oak and hazelnut trees – they've got about 320 trees on their farm. Restaurants buy directly from them, and you can too. Known for their intense, earthy aromas, truffles – which are a type of fungi – are considered one of the most luxe ingredients in the world. When paired well, they make food incredibly delicious – from a simple golden roast chook to creamy pasta and silky mash. Here's everything I learnt while truffle hunting – and what surprised me. Truffles have truffle sex to reproduce Fungi fun facts are endless, and once you start digging (sorry), they'll blow your mind. Did you know the biggest living thing in the world is a fungus? Yep, a fungus. It's found beneath the forest floor in Oregon, USA, and covers around 965 hectares – that's about 1,350 AFL fields. Here's another one. Scientists have coined the way truffles reproduce as truffle sex – but it's not how we know it. Truffles, like many fungi, reproduce sexually. Two compatible mating types need to be present in the soil near the host tree's roots – and when the conditions are right (hello, damp soil and cold weather), they meet and fuse. And just like us, it takes nine months for a truffle to fully mature. As Tanya, a former medical practitioner, says to me: 'It's science, but it's magic.' You don't really hunt for the truffles… Unlike bananas and avos, truffles do not mature further once they've been removed from their mother mycelium – so from an aroma, taste and financial perspective, it's important to harvest them at peak ripeness. Thankfully, there's someone who can help – bonus points that they're pretty cute. Traditionally, truffle farms in Europe have used truffle pigs to find truffles, because the females are naturally attracted to a chemical in them that's similar to a sex pheromone. But these days, it's much more common to use trained dogs to sniff out the best truffles. Twiggy and Seal were the very cute and very well-trained dogs who work at Robertson Truffles. Watching them, with their noses to the ground, lying down when they found the perfect one, was amazing. And they didn't eat them – which shows incredible restraint, if you're asking me. Once Twiggy and Seal found the best truffles, we helped Tanya and Patrick gently remove them from the soil, taking care not to damage the mycelium. The best way to enjoy truffles is to make a butter with them – and forget about the supermarket truffle oil Just like me, truffles love fat and cream. Patrick tells me his favourite way to enjoy truffles – and in his opinion, the best – is to make truffle butter with them. That way, the flavour is infused throughout the butter, making it go further. His go-to lunch is a toasted sandwich with truffle butter, ham and cheese. Truffle butter is also delicious twirled through angel hair pasta or spooned on top of silky mash. And whatever you do – put down the truffle oil you find at the supermarket. Most of them aren't made with real truffles, but with synthetic ingredients. Fresh is always best. Storage-wise, place your truffles in the fridge – ideally wrapped in a paper towel inside an airtight container – and enjoy for up to 7-10 days. It's easier and more accessible to go truffle hunting than you think If you're keen to get in on the action, during the harvest season between June and August, guests are welcome to join a truffle hunt tour at Robertson Truffles. They also host long truffle-spiked lunches and other events throughout the year. You can find out more here. Of course, there are other truffle farms throughout New South Wales and Australia if you're keen to get your hands dirty and have some fungi fun. Like truffle hunting, you'll need to do a bit of digging (online). But don't wait – truffle season isn't long All good things come to an end, and truffle season in Australia is relatively short – running from June to August. Go hard this winter. Order them at your favourite local restaurant – which supports truffle farmers – or source them yourself to enjoy at home. And soon enough, we'll be saying goodbye to them for the season. The good news? There's always next year – that's if the conditions are right, of course.
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Jordan News
European Models ATTO 3, Seal U, Seal and Dolphin (2026) Debut in Jordan - Jordan News
The official BYD dealer in Jordan, Mobility Solutions for Vehicle Trading Company 'MSTC', part of Bustami & Saheb Group, has officially introduced the European-spec ATTO 3, Seal U, Seal and Dolphin 2026 to the Jordanian market. This latest addition reflects the company's ongoing commitment to delivering cutting-edge electric and hybrid mobility solutions that combine smart technology, top-tier safety, and sustainable performance. اضافة اعلان The newly arrived models are among BYD's most successful vehicles in Europe, offering a balanced blend of futuristic design, dynamic performance, and intelligent features, positioning them as ideal options for the evolving preferences of Jordanian drivers seeking smarter, greener alternatives. A New Standard in Smart Driving Equipped with advanced voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated local Google Maps, the models deliver a seamless, connected driving experience. Spacious, comfortable interiors and premium build quality, aligned with European standards, add to the appeal, all managed through the BYD mobile app for total control at your fingertips. Safety That Goes Beyond Expectation Built with next-generation safety systems, these vehicles include: · DiPilot for lane-keeping and collision prevention · Real-time hazard detection and intervention systems · 360° surround-view cameras · Intelligent sensors that detect pedestrians and nearby vehicles These features set a new benchmark in road safety, aligning with global standards while tailored for local needs. The Value of Buying from the Official Dealer Engineer Ekrimeh Mahasneh, CEO of Bustami & Saheb Group, the official dealer for BYD in Jordan, emphasized the holistic value offered through the official dealership. 'We don't just sell vehicles, we deliver trust, reliability, and long-term support. Our customers enjoy certified after-sales services, warranties, and the assurance of a fully authorized maintenance network. It's a full-circle experience that protects their investment and provides true peace of mind.' He also stressed that purchasing directly from the official dealer ensures a safer, more reliable ownership journey, unmatched by gray market options. Competitive Pricing, Unmatched Warranty With highly competitive mid-range pricing and exceptional value, BYD Jordan offers a market-leading warranty of up to 200,000 km or 8 years, a benefit exclusive to official dealership customers and unavailable elsewhere in the market. Expanding the Road to Electrification Looking ahead, Mobility Solutions Company for Vehicle Trading Company is preparing to launch BYD's advanced DM-i hybrid vehicles, offering powerful performance with lower emissions and fuel consumption. This initiative supports the company's broader mission to drive Jordan's transition toward sustainable, intelligent mobility.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Going the distance in a plug-in hybrid on a Malaysian road trip
Find out what's new on ST website and app. KUANTAN – With its electric models that have marine animal-inspired names like Seal and Sealion selling so well in Singapore, Chinese company BYD is now bringing in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The Sealion 6 DM-i is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) equipped with a petrol engine and an electric motor. Its batteries get charged when the car is on the move or when it is plugged into a wall charger. The SUV decides how to use the two sources of propulsion – petrol engine or electric motor alone, or a mix of both. Combined, the Sealion 6 can travel 1,100km on a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery. Ahead of its official launch on July 16, The Straits Times had a chance to find out how it performed, during a four-day, three-night Singapore-Malaysia round-trip drive organised by BYD. For this first-time PHEV driver, the EV-to-engine transition felt seamless. The car is a great companion for long road trips with the family. It offers cabin comfort for passengers, space for four roll-on suitcases and tech features to keep everyone plugged in and occupied on long drives exploring Malaysia, without anyone worrying about where the next charging station is. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore Residents in South West District get help to improve employability, find career opportunities Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Singapore UOB awarded $17.7m in civil suit against Lippo Marina Collection over inflated housing loans Life Kinokuniya opens third bookstore in Raffles City, weeks ahead of schedule Business DBS shares rally to a new record as STI clocks yet another high Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs Asia Lightning strikes kill 33 people in eastern India Real-world conditions Clipping apexes: It cannot be confirmed or denied if the convoy left tyre skid marks at the hairpin turns at Genting Highlands. PHOTO: BYD The road trip was conducted under real-world conditions in a convoy of Sealion 6 DM-is. Drivers were told to drive normally. Each car was loaded with four adults and their bags, and the air-conditioning was set to full blast to beat the heat. The route through Malaysia included congested cities, hill climbs, highways and winding coastal roads. By the third day of hard driving, the low-fuel warning light in the test cars came on, after clocking between 761.6km and 803.1km, and using up around 50 litres of petrol. The difference in the range could have been due to how each car was driven. It seemed they performed best when the accelerator was feathered gently. By the time the low-fuel indicator lit up, the car should have had around 10 litres of fuel left in the tank. This suggested that the Sealion 6 DM-i should be able to cover nearly 1,000km with its 60-litre fuel tank. This was quite good, considering that throughout the drive, we drove as quickly as the traffic allowed and made no effort to be exaggeratedly fuel-efficient, such as doing without air-con or going unrealistically slow. Passengers and route The fam: (from left) Abel with Glenn Ong (Kiss92), Li Mei (UFM1003) and Vanessa Jane Seah (SPH Media). They all took turns to drive. PHOTO: ABEL ANG I shared 'my' car with three others invited for the trip . They were radio jockeys Glenn Ong from Kiss92 and Li Mei from UFM1003, and producer Vanessa Jane Seah from SPH media. We all took turns to drive. We started in Singapore at the BYD showroom in Alexandra Road and headed across the border via the Second Link. At the petrol station in Gelang Patah, Johor, our fuel tanks were filled to the brim and the trip meter reset to zero. From there, the convoy made stops in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, Kuantan and Melaka, before returning to Singapore. BYD said the driving route was designed to demonstrate how the car would perform under typical family road-trip conditions. Challenges included congestion in Kuala Lumpur, highway cruising on the North-South Highway, the steep climb up Genting Highlands and winding coastal roads through Kuantan. A 'family' trip During the trip, I had a great time getting to know the other members of my Sealion 6 'family'. On the long drives between stops, we chatted about our loves, lives and aspirations, while Vanessa played tunes from her 58-hour music playlist. On the first night, we stopped at the Ikan Glamping campsite outside Kuala Lumpur. The luxury campsite in Bentong has 18 luxury tents – complete with air-con and hotel-style amenities. We were lulled to sleep by chirping crickets and awoke to gentle sun rays peeking into the tents. Glamping out: The 'tents' at the campsite near Kuala Lumpur come complete with air-con and hotel-style amenities. PHOTO: ABEL ANG On the second day, craving some exercise, Glenn and I made the 272-step climb up Batu Caves to visit the temple cave perched atop the hill . It is guarded by a towering statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu god of war, victory, wisdom and love. 272 steps later: Checking out Batu Caves, protected by Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity that is the god of war, victory, wisdom and love PHOTO: ABEL ANG Navigating sharp turns and steep inclines, our car took us up to Genting Highlands, where we spent the second night. The challenging route allowed us to channel our inner 'race car drivers', taking corners and pushing the engine to its limit. I cannot confirm or deny whether our car left any burnt rubber and skid marks on the sharper bends up the hill. On the way to Kuantan, after overnighting in Genting, we drove through Pahang, which produces the most durians in Malaysia. What better way to memorialise the trip than to stop by the roadside for a durian feast? The highlight for me was the third and final night's stay at the Mangala Estate Boutique Resort in Kuantan. The 67-private villa property is tucked away in the wetlands and palm groves of a small seaside town of half a million inhabitants. I soaked in the private pool of the villa, surrounded by nature and uplifted by birdsong. About 100 varieties of birds are endemic to the region. The soak soothed my tight shoulders and aching back, having spent too many hours on the road. First-time PHEV driver I had never driven a petrol-hybrid or an electric car before, so I was curious to see if a PHEV like the Sealion 6 would be any different from the petrol-powered vehicles I knew so well. The Sealion 6 drives no differently, as I discovered, so there was no learning curve. Driving the car in electric or hybrid mode (when both the engine and electric motors are at work) did not seem to affect its performance. The transition between the electric motor and engine-assisted drive modes proved to be smooth. Power to choose: The option to fill up, in addition to plugging in, means that there is none of the anxiety associated with using a pure electric car. PHOTO: ABEL ANG Given BYD's popularity and reputation as one of the pioneers of mass-market EVs, I had high expectations for the electric-assisted start-up with the battery assist helping to overcome the additional weight of the EV battery. It turned out to be quick and agile. The car starts off in electric mode and the transition to fuel-assisted driving, when the engine chips in, is always seamless. Even at highway speeds beyond 110kmh, the car remained quiet. Putting myself in the shoes of a dad on a solo-vehicle road trip, I found having the option to recharge or refuel strangely comforting. I did not experience range anxiety because I knew I had the option of refuelling at petrol stations. Handling and creature comforts The car handled Genting Highlands' winding uphill roads with confidence and agility. There was no noticeable struggle with the car , even with four adults and luggage. Throughout the drive, the engine delivered good torque, thanks to the hybrid set-up. The body roll felt well contained for a family SUV of this size too. The air-conditioning was strong even when temperatures soared past 35 deg C on most of the days . The ample charging points (USB-A, USB-C, wireless charging for devices front and rear) kept the phones of the four occupants – and other devices like cameras – charged. The interior finish felt premium, with ergonomic leather seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. At various points, people were popping their heads through the sunroof for better views or to take more exciting photos of the convoy . The 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen was easy to use. With an Infinity 10-speaker sound system, it was a pleasure to listen to the playlist Vanessa contributed from her phone. My companions enjoyed playing with the built-in voice command feature too. We could get the car to open and close the sunroof, and initiate the voice control system by saying 'Hi BYD'. There was ample legroom at the back, so there were no fights over space. Ample space: A different way to measure boot capacity PHOTO: BYD The 574-litre boot was sufficiently spacious to carry our four roll-on suitcases and small personal bags. As someone who will be in the market for a replacement when my car is due to be scrapped, the Sealion 6 DM-i will be an ideal first hybrid for long-distance road trips with the kids. With around 1,000km of driving range, it offers stress-free road trips exploring Malaysia and farther afield, without the driver worrying about where the next charging station will be. BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Price: $212,888 with COE Motor: Permanent synchronous with 18.3kWh LFP battery and 1.5-litre range extender (97hp) Transmission: Hybrid single-speed Power: 160kW Torque: 300Nm 0-100kmh: 8.5 seconds Top speed: 170kmh Fuel/power consumption: 0.9 litres/18.8kWh per 100km Charging capacity: 2.7kW AC; 18kW DC Agent: E-Auto
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
National security, judicial picks discussed at rulers' meeting
Issues concerning national security, judicial appointments, and the proposed ban on vaping were discussed at the 269th Conference of Rulers meeting held at Istana Negara today. The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, in a statement, said the meeting was presided over by the Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. 'Today, the conference received...
